MANILA, Philippines – Illegal poster? We’ll take it down. But don’t forget other election issues, too.

Team PNoy spokesperson Miro Quimbo said the coalition supports the initiative of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and will abide by the law after the poll body on Monday, February 25, told the President’s slate to remove its illegal poster found on an electric post, an off-limits place for posters, located in a Parañaque City subdivision.

Quimbo said they would remove the posters if it is based on Comelec regulation and “the principle of having fair and equal elections.” Surprised by the notice, he asked supporters to be more vigilant.

“We urge our supporters to exercise restraint and caution and please be observant of the rules because we want to follow the rules,” he said.

While Quimbo said he backed the decision and efforts of Comelec, he also appealed to the poll body not to lose sight of other significant concerns that also demanded its attention.

“I hope we don’t lose focus on the other big issues which are campaign contributions, reportorial requirements, having a campaign that is based on issues. I hope the Comelec can also help direct us towards that,” he told Rappler.

Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino, who was one of the bets mentioned by Comelec, also expressed shock at the notice, questioning what rule he broke. “We are coordinating with Comelec on where exactly the poster is and will have to take it down,” he said in a text message.

In a series of tweets posted by Comelec chair Sixto Brillantes, he said Comelec notified Team Pnoy candidates Antonio Trillanes, Koko Pimentel, Chiz Escudero, Jamby Madrigal and Aquino — in addition to the coalition itself for an illegally posted joint ad.

Candidates of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) who also got notices were Jack Enrile, Miguel Zubiri and Nancy Binay.

Notices to remove illegal posters were also issued to two party-list groups – Piston and Kabataan.

The Comelec has vowed to charge – even disqualify – violators who fail to remove illegal posters even after receiving an official notice. They have 3 days to take down the poster. – Rappler.com